Patricia Ann Boone, 73, of Rock Rapids, IA, passed away unexpectedly on May 24, 2013, at the Sanford Hospital in Rock Rapids. Her family would like to invite her friends and loved ones to gather together at her home on Saturday, June 1, from 2 pm to 4 pm.
Patricia Ann O’Larick was born on February 19, 1940, in Detroit, MI, and spent her younger years in Los Angeles, Grants Pass, and Sacramento. It was in Grants Pass, Oregon, that the deer, animal tracks, berries and grapevines, wildflowers, and creeks greatly influenced her love for the outdoors, and where she enjoyed attending a two-room country schoolhouse. At the age of 13, her family relocated to Sacramento, and Pat enrolled in St. Joseph Academy, earning her tuition by singing in the Sunday choir. Pat later attained vocational and registered nursing licenses in Sacramento, CA, and worked in the Surgical and Neuro Intensive Care Units at Sacramento County General Hospital, where she first met resident physician, Paul Dean Boone. Shortly after marriage with Dr. Boone on December 2, 1967, Pat and Paul moved to San Francisco, and enjoyed working in the city, camping in the redwoods, and visiting Fisherman’s Wharf. Upon the birth of their first child, the new family returned to Paul’s home state of Iowa, settling first in Paullina, later in Hartley, and finally in Rock Rapids. Sadly, Pat lost the love of her life on July 9, 1993, when Paul passed away unexpectedly at their home. Throughout her life, Pat was a faithful and devoted wife, mother, and friend, sharing her love, voice of reason, and enthusiasm.
Pat was an avid reader, enjoyed listening to music, being outdoors, bird watching, refinishing antiques, and challenging herself with do-it-yourself projects in her yard and home. She was a champion supporter of black bear research, assisting with fundraising and den watches and advocating the quintessence of wildlife in our world. Her dedication to animal welfare was also demonstrated by her commitment to rescue dog adoptions, rescue transport assistance, and her involvement with therapy dog activities in the local retirement homes.
She is survived by her children, Scott Boone and wife, Linda, of Peoria, AZ; Caley Boone of Kanab, UT; and Megan Boone of Palo Alto, CA; five grandchildren; one great-grandson; and her three cherished dogs, Freckles, Dazzle, and Foxy.
